We focus so much on what to do before sex to make the experience an unforgettable one. But after the loving under-the-sheet moments, we forget there are steps to take to save us from serious health issues.
Perhaps you can’t be bothered to leave the comfort of your post-sex bed as you are tempted to fall asleep right away. But health experts say you must in order to prevent infections that can occur immediately after sex.
Here are six things you should avoid after sex:
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Not using the bathroom
Some say it’s not sexy to leave your partner right after sex for the bathroom to pee, but health experts say it’s very necessary to do so to help lower your risk for infection. “It is a good idea to empty your bladder after sex, because the activity is known to help bacteria transfer from back to front, from the anal area to the vaginal/urethra. Using the bathroom flushes out the area, lowering the risk of infection,” says Dr. Carolyn DeLucia, an OB-GYN.
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Using scented soaps, gels and wipes
You may want to use scented soaps, lotions, wipes, and gels when washing right after sex but this is a no-no as such products will only irritate your skin and alter your normal bacteria. Washing with warm water should be fine. Don’t ever douche too, as it can increase your risk of getting a urinary tract infection.
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Not wiping from front to back
When you wipe back to front, you pull bacteria from the back passage towards the urethra, and this increases the risk of infections, including cystitis.
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Not cleaning any sex toy used
Sex toys do hold bacteria, and that is why you should pay attention to them when they are used. Using mild soap and warm water to clean them can decrease the risk of infection.
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Forgetting the mouthwash
After all the foreplay, don’t forget to clean up as sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia can occur in the mouth as well. Gargling with mouthwash is more effective in getting rid of sexually-transmitted infections in the mouth than brushing your teeth. “Gargle for about 15-20 seconds, spit, then rinse away those icky germs with water,” says Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist.
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Sleeping with your lingerie on
Right after sex, the feeling is to sleep right away even while in our lingerie. Doctors say the best thing to do is to sleep naked because right after sex, you are probably all sweaty, and “your semi-wet body can react with the fabric leading to infections,” DoctorNDTV, a site that provides health information says. If you can’t sleep naked, then do so in your pajamas or any loose clothing but don’t forget to take off the lingerie.
